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Air Fryer Churros: A Delightfully Light Twist on a Classic Treat

Churros are a beloved dessert that hails originally from Spain, deeply adored for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Traditionally deep-fried, churros can sometimes be a tad indulgent, which is where the air fryer comes into play. This modern kitchen appliance allows you to create beautiful, golden churros with significantly less oil, making them a lighter yet equally delicious option. Whether you’re seeking a sweet treat for a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, air fryer churros are sure to impress.

What You Need

Ingredients

For the churros:

• 240ml water
• 50g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 150g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the coating:

• 50g sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Piping bag with a star nozzle
• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Baking tray
• Baking paper

How to Make Air Fryer Churros

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to boil.

2. Add the Flour: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the plain flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a cohesive ball. This may take a bit of elbow grease!

3. Incorporate Eggs: Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavour boost.

Step 2: Pipe the Churros

1. Prepare for Piping: Line a baking tray with baking paper. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.

2. Pipe the Churros: Pipe strips of dough onto the prepared baking tray, about 10cm long. Leave some space between each churro to ensure they don’t stick together when cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Churros

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

2. Air Fry the Churros: Place a few churros in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to help them crisp up. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model.

3. Repeat: Continue until all churros are cooked, making sure to spray each batch with a little oil before cooking.

Step 4: Coat and Serve

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: While the churros are cooking, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.

2. Coat the Churros: Once the churros have cooked, immediately remove them from the air fryer and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

3. Serve Warm: Serve your air fryer churros warm, perhaps alongside a dish of melted chocolate or caramel for dipping. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Conclusion

Air fryer churros are a wonderful twist on the traditional treat, providing a guilt-free way to enjoy their delightful flavour and texture. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal oil, you can whip up a batch of these sweet snacks in no time. They are perfect for sharing during gatherings or savouring on a quiet evening at home. So, why not give these air-fried delights a go? Your taste buds will thank you!